WhatsApp weekly update: 17–22 November 2025

Taizé here and in France

This morning about 40 young adults will gather at Volmoed for a “Taizé day” under the theme “Advent hope for young people”. Besides the local young people, there will be 15 young people from Khayelitsha in Cape Town and others from across the Western Cape.

Also, one of our delegates to Taizé in France (Cleo) returns home this morning after five weeks in France due to personal reasons. We will embrace her upon her return. We have been getting photographs and videos from Masixole: this week they experienced snow in France!

Some sad news

The Benedictine monks who were based at Volmoed since 2019 have now left to live in their own house Harkerville in the southern Cape, where they can grow the community. We wish them well, knowing that they will continue to pray for the young people.

More support from the USA

We had a great visit from Elizabeth (a judge from New York City) this week. She almost stayed to represent the USA at the G20! (only joking). Thank you for your great presence and support, Elizabeth! Our greetings to your mayor-elect who, at the age of 34, still qualifies to join our programme!

Cape Town visits

Our visit to UCT Business School and the Groote Kerk last Saturday was not only great, but also joyful. Thank you to Prof. Jess for welcoming us for the third time! Special thanks also to the students who have been in touch with me this week, especially Nicolle from Zimbabwe (she wants us to visit there) and Nokukhanya from Woolworths! We will continue to be in touch … Ds. Riaan de Villiers gave us a great history lesson at Groote Kerk. We are in awe of your work, Riaan! Keep on keeping on …

Financial support

We cannot stop saying THANK YOU to so many of you for your financial support. Special thanks this week to Colin (from the Iona community), Gina and Lynne! A local women’s group (Quest) has also been in contact with me to support us with a meal for the young people. We really appreciate your support for the work we are trying to do. God bless!